The Importance of Structural Detailing in the Modern Construction Industry

There are a number of ways structural steel can be used in the construction process. From steel beams, braces, and trusses, to metal decking and handrails, it’s one of the most widely used materials to date. The process of designing and creating the plans for these items is called structural detailing. Continue reading to learn a bit more about the important role detailing plays in the modern construction industry.

What Detailing Is

Steel detailing is a profession that works closely with contractors, steel fabricators, engineers, and similar professions to create ant plans and documentation needed. These are then used to create the structural steel materials used in a wide variety of projects. Project types can vary being residential, commercial, industrial as well as commercial in nature. In many cases retailers may subcontract so they can work with a wide variety of clients. Others may prefer to work as part of a single company or firm.

How Detailing is Used

Detailing is used in creation process of steel fabrications. The plans a detailer makes can be used to create beams and braces, columns, trusses, stairs and handrails, and even metal decking or plates. All of these can be used in a wide variety of construction projects. The drawings use to create these parts are often referred to as shop drawings. Once the pieces have been created the construction firm uses an erection drawing also created by the detailer to begin the assembly of the steel parts. Erection drawing often include dimensions, locations, and any addition instructions needed to put the fabricated parts into place.

A structural steel detailer can an important member for any construction team. Not only can the design the steel parts needed for the project, but they often also create the instructions needed for assembling the pieces at the work site. They work closely with the engineers and contractors of a project to help insure that the steel pieces needed are designed in a way that fits with the end vision.